Cathy Jo Ralph

Cathy Jo Ralph, a beloved mother, daughter, and sister from Princeville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on April 24, 2025, in Ogden, Utah. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Cathy will be deeply missed but never forgotten by all who were fortunate enough to be part of her life.

Born on May 12, 1950, Cathy was the second of two daughters of Clarence David (C.D.) Ralph (1911-1994) and Marjorie Loraine Lovejoy (1912-1980). The family settled in Princeville, Illinois, where Cathy attended Princeville High School. During her time there, she met, fell in love with, and married Robert Merrill Sloan. After the birth of their first son, the family moved to California to pursue career opportunities with Caterpillar. They settled in Fremont, California, where their second and third sons were born.

Growing up in the small town of Princeville afforded Cathy many dear friendships. She and her best friend, Debbie Conley, were inseparable from grade school through high school. Cathy, a true tomboy, spent cherished moments fishing with her father. Their passion for fishing led C.D. and his friends on several trips to Canada, where Cathy and her mother often joined them.

Later in life, Cathy developed a deep passion for professional football and became a die-hard Oakland Raiders fan. Despite the team’s move to Los Angeles in the 1980s and later to Las Vegas, her loyalty remained with the OAKLAND Raiders. In the late 1970s, fate brought her into contact with notable Hall of Fame figures such as John Madden, Kenny Stabler, Dave Casper, and others through a work engagement. From that moment on, she never missed a game, embodying the spirit of a true Raider fan. Looking forward to the 2025 NFL draft, she would have been thrilled to know that her Oakland Raiders drafted Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty to lead their running attack.

Cathy was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ann Ralph, and her middle son, Brian David Sloan. She is survived by her two other sons, Mark Sloan of Ogden, Utah, and Josh Hickey of Plain City, Utah, and six grandchildren: Tyler, Jessica, Joshua, Judy, Tyvan, and Chentra.

In accordance with her wishes, Cathy will rest in the Princeville cemetery along with her parents and sister in late May. At that time, family and friends can gather to reminisce about her life, love, and laughter.